News from around the 32 counties of Ireland, Oct 27 2013

Parents have been warned to be vigilant with regards to fireworks and bangers and the injuries that can be caused.

A reminder has been issued that it is an offense under the Criminal Justice Act 2006 to possess fireworks with the intent to sell or supply, and it is also an offense to throw fireworks or bangers.
[Source: Leitrim Observer]
LIMERICK

The death has occurred of sportsman, publican, politician and one of Limerick’s great characters, Mick Crowe.

Mr. Crowe, who was born on Glentworth Street, played senior rugby for Shannon and was also a talented soccer player. After his playing days, he was heavily involved with Ballynanty Rovers and also served as a director for Limerick United.

He was involved in fundraising and organizing tours overseas for many Limerick and Irish sporting teams, and for putting on sports fixtures in the city, such as the visit of former F.A. Cup winners, Spurs, to Thomond Park in 1981.
[Source: Limerick Leader]

LONGFORD

A Tegenaria, or giant house spider, which bears an apparent likeness to Jesus Christ, has appeared at a house in Longford.

Edel Sweeney found the spider in her home and noticed the markings on the spider’s back closely resemble the iconic image of the Sacred Heart.

Louth has been voted the best place to live in Ireland by Likeplace.ie.

The website finds and rates communities in Ireland and, out of nearly 10,000 ratings, Louth has come out on top.

Each county is rated out of five, and Louth topped the poll with a total score of four, along with Donegal.
[Source: Dundalk Democrat]
MAYO

The Garda (police) watchdog was expected to reveal last Tuesday that it will open an investigation into allegations by a former Corrib gas contractor, who claims he supplied a large quantity of alcohol to Belmullet Garda Station before Christmas 2007. This follows G.S.O.C.’s (Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission) receipt of the findings of an investigation into the matter, led by a senior Mayo Garda, Superintendent Thomas Murphy.

A G.S.O.C spokesman said it was “considering the content of that material” while the Garda Press Office confirmed the examination has been completed and “all details passed on” to the Garda watchdog.
[Source: The Mayo News]

MEATH

Meath County Council has given the green light for a K.F.C. drive-through outlet at Brews Hill in Navan, sparking an angry reaction from a nearby school, local parents, residents and traders.

Outrage has been expressed at the proposal to build a fast food outlet at the gates of two schools, especially at a time when the H.S.E. has mounted a major childhood obesity campaign.

Local traders also warned that it would cause traffic mayhem on an already very busy street and would mean the loss of vital parking spaces, which serve local businesses.
[Source: Meath Chronicle]
MONAGHAN

A gold mining company, which has discovered a 30-mile gold district in Ireland, says it has completed "a key step" towards bringing in a mine at its gold discovery in County Monaghan.

Conroy Gold and Natural Resources has discovered a gold district running across counties Armagh, Monaghan and Cavan and is planning to develop its first operational gold mine at Clontibret in Monaghan.

The gold exploration company said that work involving mineralogical tests had confirmed “the technical viability” of the technique that would be used to process ore at Clontibret.
[Source: Breaking News]
OFFALY

Offaly G.A.A. great Brian Whelahan is set to take over from Ollie Baker as the county's senior hurling manager, on recommendation of the selection committee.

The Faithfuls have been without a manager since Baker stepped down in August in the aftermath of the 2013 championship.

Whelahan is expected to be ratified as their new boss at the November meeting of the Offaly County Board.
[Source: Irish Examiner]
ROSCOMMON

Two men are due to appear in court this week in relation to the seizure of more than $2.8 million worth of cannabis plants.

The seizures were made as part of Operation Nitrogen, during planned raids in counties Kerry, Cavan and Roscommon.
[Source: Roscommon Herald]
SLIGO

Traditional music is showing a remarkable resistance to the recession. Albums are tumbling from mixing desks, live (though largely unpaid) sessions are thriving, and theatre concerts feature new collaborations, albeit with the same challenges facing many hard-pressed punters whose social diaries are more limited than they might have been a few years ago. This year’s ninth Sligo Live festival continues the Gathering theme with the return of a flock of Irish-American musicians who bring a fresh approach to the music.